prognostication

noun

prog·​nos·​ti·​ca·​tion (ˌ)präg-ˌnä-stə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce prognostication (audio)
1
: an indication in advance : foretoken
2
a
: an act, the fact, or the power of prognosticating : forecast

Examples of prognostication in a Sentence

the complete fulfillment of his prognostication surprised even him at the sight of the brooding mansion, her prognostications of ill fortune grew stronger
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
There was no mention in the study of whether the finger was used to perform any type of invasive prognostication. New Atlas, 9 Oct. 2024 Richman’s name has cropped up in prognostications regarding February’s Grammy Awards, particularly as a contender for best new artist. Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2024 Once again, this stands in contrast to the prognostications of some cynics. Jeffrey Sonnenfeld and Steven Tian, TIME, 23 Sep. 2024 If Portrait is an accurate indicator, the Recording Academy should take the show back to Vegas immediately cause their prognostications would make Nostradamus proud. Steve Baltin, Forbes, 14 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for prognostication 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English pronosticacioun, prognosticacyon "action of foretelling events, prediction, sign portending an event," borrowed from Middle French & Medieval Latin; Middle French pronosticacion, borrowed from Medieval Latin pronōsticātiōn-, pronōsticātiō (also with -g-) "forecast, prognosis," from prognōsticāre, pronōsticāre "to predict, forecast, portend" + Latin -tiōn-, tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at prognosticate

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of prognostication was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near prognostication

Cite this Entry

“Prognostication.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prognostication. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

prognostication

noun
prog·​nos·​ti·​ca·​tion (ˌ)präg-ˌnäs-tə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce prognostication (audio)
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!